KBC Channel 1

Author: Bernard Okumu

  • Steven Gerrard: Ex-Liverpool midfielder named manager of Saudi Pro League Al-Ettifaq

    Steven Gerrard: Ex-Liverpool midfielder named manager of Saudi Pro League Al-Ettifaq

     

    Former England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has been named manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

    The 43-year-old had said in June he had been invited over to the country to “look at a potential offer” but that he would not be taking it up.

    “Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Khalid Al-Dabal, the club’s chairman.

    Gerrard has signed a two-year contract with the Saudi club.

    Al-Ettifaq were seventh in the 16-team Saudi Pro League last season, finishing 35 points behind champions Al-Ittihad.

    Gerrard has been out of work since being sacked as Aston Villa manager in October last year.

    The former England midfielder’s move to Saudi Arabia follows a summer of heavy investment by Pro League clubs as several top European players have joined Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.

    Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves and Chelsea trio N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are among those to move to Saudi Arabia, with Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic to Al-Nassr the most recent deal to be completed.

    Fulham managed Marco Silva has also reportedly turned down a £17m offer to coach Al-Hilal.

    The trend underlines the league’s ambition to be one of the top five in the world and follows a decision in June by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, to take over four leading clubs in the country. Al-Ettifaq is not one of those clubs.

    Gerrard retired from playing in 2016 and his first managerial role was at Scottish club Rangers.

    He took over the Ibrox side in 2018 and led the club to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2020-21.

    Gerrard then became Villa boss in November 2021 but left after 13 wins from 40 games during his time in charge.

     

  • Elvis Muigua bags his second title in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series

    Elvis Muigua bags his second title in the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series

     

    Elvis Muigua of Kiambu Golf Club had a fantastic final round of 69 gross in the 2023 Goldfields Trophy to emerge the champion with an overall gross of +6. Muigua was tied second going into the final round with a score of +9 while the overnight leader Godfrey Nsubuga of Mehta Golf Club-Uganda had a 6 shot lead with a +3 score.

    Muigua picked 6 birdies on the first 9 of the final round in holes, 1, 2, 5,6,7 and 8 and got pars on the remaining 3 holes. The second nine was not as glorious as the first. He dropped 4 shots on 4 holes but managed to birdie the last hole to finish the nine on +3 resulting in the final round score of 69 gross (-3). The win assured him an amount of Kshs 81,000.

     

    Godfrey Nsubuga had a tough run in the final round producing a score of +9 and overally settled for the runner-up position together with Nandi Bear’s Club Elly Barno on +12.

    The two got an amount of Kshs 40,500 each.

    John Timbe of Nyali Golf & Country Club was a close fourth with a +14 score winning Kshs 24,200.

     

    The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman, Mr. Philip Ochola, lauded Elvis for the win and urged the club to strengthen its junior programs to ensure that players from the club and the region feature as champions for the series.

    He also appreciated the sponsors-NCBA Bank and Fly Skyward Express, who gave their support and ensured the success of the tournament. The Chairman of the Club Dr. Catherine Aura appreciated KGU for the inclusion of the tournament in the KAGC Series and ensuring that Kakamega is featured on the national space. 

     Present also during the presentation was the Fly Skyward Commercial Manager, Mr. Kelvin Mwasi expressed the airlines continued support of golf and appreciated the tournament administrator and referee Mr. Bernard Mwaura for ensuring that the event was held to a global standard. He further informed the golfers of the airline’s presence in the town and the various destinations that the airline operates in including Mombasa, Nairobi, Malindi, Lamu, Ukunda, Eldoret, Lodwar and Kakamega.

     

    Action next weekend is at Nyeri Golf Club for the Mt. Kenya Championship that starts on Friday, 6th July 2023.   

    KAGC Player Ranking and Points

    1.    KARANGA, Michael-Kiambu Golf Club- 670

    2.    LEJIRMA, John-Kenya Railway Golf Club- 429

    3.    MUIGUA, Elvis-Kiambu Golf Club- 304

    4.    MAARA, Dennis-Limuru Country Club- 238

    5.    OMOLLO, Ebill-Vetlab Sports Club- 224

    6.    NSUBUGA, Godfrey-Mehta Golf Club- 192

    7.    MULAMA, Sammy-Golf Park Golf Club- 179

    8.    BALALA, Adel-Vipingo Golf Resort- 136

    9.    RONO, Josphat-Golf Park Golf Club- 111

    10. LEMINGANI, Raphael-Golf Park Golf Club- 92

     

    KAGC Club Trophy Ranking and Points

    1.    Golf Park Golf Club- 504

    2.    Kiambu Golf Club- 468

    3.    Vetlab Sports Club- 416

    4.    Kenya Railways Golf Club- 186

    5.    Muthaiga Golf Club- 170

  • Wade Kilburn victorious at seventh leg of NCBA Golf Series

    Wade Kilburn victorious at seventh leg of NCBA Golf Series

    Wade Kilburn emerged as the overall winner of the seventh leg of the 2023 NCBA Golf Series, held at the par-72 Karen Country Club on Saturday, 1st June 2023.

     The tournament attracted a total of 200 golfers.

     With an outstanding performance, Wade Kilburn secured the top spot with an impressive score of 76 gross points.

     In the men’s category, Paul Kaguamba claimed victory with an impressive score of 77 gross points. James Ngotho returned  78 gross points to finish second.

     The women’s category witnessed a thrilling competition, with Louisa Gitau emerging as the champion, achieving a remarkable score of 88 gross points. She beat Eunice Maranya on countback, who scored similar points.

     The Nett categories celebrated outstanding performances by Peter Munyiri and Susan Kihato. Peter Munyiri emerged as the champion in the men’s category, scoring an impressive 67 nett. Susan Kihato, in the ladies’ category, displayed remarkable skills and achieved the same impressive score of 67 nett.

     Among the juniors, Arman Sheikh showcased immense potential, securing victory with an impressive score of 81 gross points.

     The Longest Drive challenge witnessed the exceptional skills of Claden Smith and Kendrar Keter, who stood out as the stars of the competition.

     Speaking during the prize giving ceremony John Gachora, the Group Managing Director of NCBA, expressed his admiration for the participants’ dedication and outstanding performances. He emphasized the significance of nurturing talent within the sport and reiterated NCBA’s commitment to supporting golf development in Kenya.

    “The seventh leg of the Series exceeded our expectations with its impressive turnout and the exceptional performances we witnessed. It is truly remarkable to see the passion and skill displayed by the golfers, and we are proud to be a part of fostering the growth of golf in Kenya.”

    “The Golf Series serves as a platform that brings together golf enthusiasts from different backgrounds, fostering bonds and relationships that extend beyond the fairways. Golf is not just a game; it is a powerful tool that unites us and creates lasting connections and that is the reason we highly value the sport,” he added.

     Following the Karen event, all eyes will be on Uganda Golf Club as it prepares to host the eighth leg which will also be the first qualifier event in Uganda on 15th July 2023. It will then return to Kenya on 22nd July for the ninth leg which will be held at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

  • Stage set for next weekend’s World Championship trials

    Stage set for next weekend’s World Championship trials

     

    Only 160 athletes have been invited for the world athletics championship national trials set for 7th and 8th of this month at the Nyayo National stadium.

    The 19th World Athletics Championships will be held in Budapest, Hungary from 19th to 27th of next month.

    Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei has affirmed that only invited athletes who will meet the Athletics integrity unit requirements will be allowed to compete at the national trials at Nyayo stadium next weekend.

    Invited athletes fulfilled several requirements including ADAK/AIU anti doping obligation,met the 2023 Budapest World Athletics Championship entry standards and impressive perfomance at last weekend’s national athletics Championship.

    Athletics Kenya has already named the women’s and men’s marathon teams while the rest of the squad is set to be decided next weekend with those who will be picked from across 15 races expected to be submitted by the end of the month.

    Athletes who wish to double at the trials will be allowed to do so but AK will make final decision whether such athletes if successful at the trials will double at the world championships in Hungary.

    Athletes who qualify after the trials before the qualification window shuts will be considered in instances where the field’s quota is not filled and the athlete has met the requirements.

    The first two athletes across the finishing line who, have met world athletics qualification requirements, will be selected to team Kenya, which will proceed to residential training immediately.

    The Trial/s selectors panely is made up of 10 emmbers and is headed by Paul Mutwii,who is also the AK vice President.The Panel consists; Baranabas Korir,Ibrahim Hussein,Patrick Sang,John Kimetto,Milcah Chemos,Kennedy Tanui,Charlotte Kurgoy,Stepehen Mwaniki and Fred Oundo.

    Two times world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and 800 reigning world and olympic champion Emmanuel Korir will be defending their tittles.

    100m Africa record holder Ferdinand Omanyala will vie for the World ticket in a 9 man field that also has:Bonface Mweresa,Isac Omurwa,Dan Kiviasi and Robinson Motende among others.

     

  • Chana banks on Safari Rally podium to boost his KNRC title chase

    Chana banks on Safari Rally podium to boost his KNRC title chase

     

    Kenya National Rally Championship leader Jasmeet Chana aka Iceman heads into the second half of the season on Rally Nanyuki in August with a good feeling in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and a massive 54-point lead over his nearest rival McRae Kimathi.

    Navigated by his sibling Ravi Chana, the reigning Group N Champion romped home in second overall position on KNRC Safari Rally category behind Carl “Flash” Tundo to extend his lead after four events in Machakos, Voi, Nakuru and Naivasha’s Safari which counted towards the fourth round of the KNRC series..

    Although the closest challenger is 54 points adrift of the Iceman, he refuses to rest on his laurels in his quest for a maiden KNRC title and his immediate aim is to win Nanyuki leg.

    “Rally Nanyuki is always an exciting round for many of us, and I’m always excited to take on its unique and challenging gravel,” said Chana who won his first career KNRC round in Nakuru last year.

    Jasmeet secured Rubis Energy sponsorship for WRC Safari 2023 and will also be backed for the National season with a brand well known for its Castrol oils.

    Also supporting Jasmeet’s spirited course for the season is Cloudpay who have come on board to ensure he delivers the title which eluded him on the last rally last year.

    “We’ll be happy that we will be able to compete again in August in the high-altitude Mount Kenya region after Safari which was a very challenging event. It’s certainly going to be a demanding rally with very technical roads. But the Mitsubishi Evolution X has always given me confidence at these speeds with incessant pre-event testing that we always do, I have a good feeling in the car.”

    It was Jasmeet’s 4th podium of the 2023 KNRC circuit and his second top two this season, having already boosted his campaign with victory in Nakuru last month.

    Last year, Jasmeet lost the title to Karan Patel on homestretch in Voi and is looking to lay his hands on the title in 2023. He is one of the few KNRC drivers to have won virtually all KNRC categories, from 2WD, to Group S, Group N, Division 3 and Division 1.

    “I had a very good feeling after the Naivasha fesh fesh and we drove cautiously to earn the all-important points for the championship. Luckily, that paid off and this is a really good feeling,” Jasmeet concluded.

    KNRC SAFARI RALLY RESULTS

    1.Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (Skoda Fabia Rally1) 2:09.18.4

    2. Jasmeet Chana/Ravi Chana (Evolution X) 2:33.37.5

    3. Nikhil Sachania/Deep Patel (Evolution X) 2:36.25.1

    4. Issa Amwari/Dennis Mwenda (Evolution X) 2:39.31.5

    5. Samman Vohra/Alfir Khan (Skoda Fabia Evo) 2:51.12.1

    6. Josiah Kariuki/John Ngugi (Subaru Impreza) 2:57.46.0

    7. McRae Kimathi/Mwangi Kioni (Ford Fiesta Rally3) 2:59.06.7

    8. Natasha Tundo/Chantal Young (Subaru Impre/za) 3:00.26.9

    9. Amman Shah/Rahil Shah (Subaru Impreza) 3:14.07.4

    10. Tinashe Gatimu/Caroline Gatimu (Mitsubishi Lancer) 3:16.11.1

    11. Minesh Rathod/Jamie McTavish (Mitsubishi Lancer EVOX) 3:18.29.8

    12. Andrew Muiruri/Edward Njoroge (Subaru Impreza) 3:27.21.2

    13. Pauline Sheghu/Linet Ayuko (Subaru Impreza) 3:30.31.8

    14. Edward Maina/Anthony Gichohi (Subaru Impreza) 4:19.00.0

    KENYA NATIONAL RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVERS STANDINGS AFTER SAFARI

    1.Jasmeet Chana 114POINTS

    2 McRae Kimathi 60

    3 Nikhil Sacania 44

    4 Carl Tundo 39

    5 Kush Patel 34

    6Karan Patel 34

    7 Amman Shah 33

    8 Jeremiah Wahome 30

    9 Hamza Anwar 26

    10 Izhar Mirza 23

    11Issa Amwari 23

  • KBC football team puts up gallant show as Inter Media football tourney culminates

    KBC football team puts up gallant show as Inter Media football tourney culminates

     

    Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, KBC, football team put up a spirited fight in this year’s Inter Media Football Tournament organized by Sports Journalists Association of Kenya,SJAK, at Galleria Mall,Nairobi.

    The one day tournament attracted 16 teams drawn from different media houses.

    KBC Team began their quest by losing 2-5 to CGTN before going down 0-4 to Super Sport and recovered in their final group B Match dispatching Freelancers 3-0 to wind up the pool fixtures on a winning note.

    A combination of factors including the group phase results however locked the determined national broadcasters team from advancing to the knock out phase.

    In the ensuing quarter final matches CGTN beat Radio Africa 2-0 while Standard Media Group defeated MozzartBet Sports 4-3, Supersport thumped Athletic News FC 6-1 as eventual winners Nation Media Group thrashed BBC 7-0.

    In the semi final SuperSport advanced to the finals after seeing off CGTN 3-1 while Nation Media Group sealed their final place with a 5-0 thumping of Standard Media Group.

    Nation went on to win the final after upsetting Supersport 3-2 in a hotly contested final.

    CGTN went home as third placed side after defeating Standard Group 5-0 in a third place play off .

    Following the victory Nation pocketed Ksh.50,000 in winners prize money while first runner up was awarded Ksh.30,000.

    The tournament hosted by SJAK in collaboration with La Liga coincided with International Sports Press Association Day and was geared to enhancing comraderie amongst sports scribes in the country.

    ‘We trimmed the participating teams to 16 from 20 .At the end of the day its not all about competition but the sportsmanship’’, remarked SJAK president James Waindi.

    La Liga delegate Alvaro Abreu said the tournament helps popularize La Liga in the country.

    ‘’It’s such an honour to be here and more so that we are associating with journalists who write about sports.We have hosted other football related events before which have been successful and this event was timely since it helped the public know more about La Liga’’

  • Kakamega Homeboyz edge out Tusker to lift Mozzart Bet Cup

    Kakamega Homeboyz edge out Tusker to lift Mozzart Bet Cup

     

    Kakamega Homeboyz were crowned winners of the 2023 Mozzart Bet FKF Cup after narrowly defeating Tusker FC 1-0 in an entertaining final played at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani,Nairobi.

    After a goalless first half Kakamega Homeboyz who had hit the cross in the opening 45 minutes finally found the breakthrough via well time Kevin Amwayi’s left foot shot in the 73rd minute.

    The goal stood for most part of the match if not the whole tie guranteeing the Kakamega based outfit the win and the title a first in their two decade history.

     

    The win earns them a lost to represent Kenya at next seaosn CAF secondary club competition,the Confederations Cup.

    Additionally, the team coached by Patrick Odhiambo walked away with winners prize of Ksh.2 million awhile Tusker was rewarded Ksh1Million for finishing in second place.

    In a preceding third place encounter, AFC Leopards beat Ulinzi Stars 1-0 thanks to Eugene Mukangula’s 67th minute strike.

    AFC leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo was named the tournaments best goalkeeper while Tusker’s Eric Otieno earned got Top Scorer award, Kakamega Homeboyz’s Moses Shummah emerged as the tourney’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

  • Dala Sevens: KCB RFC through to the quarter finals

    Dala Sevens: KCB RFC through to the quarter finals

     

    KCB RFC recorded three straight wins to secure a quarter-finals slot in the opening leg of the National Sevens Circuit at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Kisumu County.

    The bankers who finished runners up in last seasons circuit, thrashed Mombasa RFC 36-0 in their first fixture before defeating varsity side Masinde Muliro (MMUST) 22-7 in a tightly contested afternoon encounter.

    Scrum-half Samuel Asati produced a moment of individual brilliance to hand KCB a 12-7 win over Kenya Harlequin in the team’s last match of the day that sent KCB to the top of pool B with 9 points.

    “We did not come here to second guess ourselves; we knew that we wanted to win all our games considering the performance we had last year at the same venue. They boys were dedicated throughout the day’s matches, and we are now looking forward to quarterfinals tomorrow and hopefully go all the way to clinch the trophy,” said Andrew Amonde, KCB Coach.

    New signing Edmund Anya registered a Hatrick of tries in his debut match for his new team. Vincent Onyala on the other hand also scored a try for the team after missing action for the past 6 months due to a knee injury.

    “I am happy for the win, and I feel fresh again. The boys are in high spirits, and everyone is pushing himself beyond the limits to represent the badge the right way. I am also delighted for my first try after missing the sport I resonate with for the past 6 months. It has not been easy but today is a good day because we can pick on the momentum going into the knockout stages,” noted an ecstatic Onyala.

    Dala 7s Groups

    Pool A: Menenegai Oilers, Nakuru, Nondescripts, Catholic Monks

    Pool B: KCB, Kenya Harlequin, Masinde Muliro, Mombasa

    Pool C: Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, Daystar Falcons, Kisumu

  • Patrick Vieira set to be named new manager of RC Strasbourg

    Patrick Vieira set to be named new manager of RC Strasbourg

     

    Patrick Vieira is set to become the new manager at Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg.

    Vieira, 47, will sign a three-year contract and the deal should be completed on Sunday.

    The ex-Arsenal midfielder has been out of work since being sacked by Premier League side Crystal Palace in March.

    Chelsea’s owners have recently agreed a deal to buy a majority stake in Strasbourg, who finished 15th in the French top flight last season, five points above the relegation zone.

    It is not the first time that Vieira has worked in a multi-club group. He coached Manchester City Under-23s before taking over at New York City, who are also part of the City Football Group.

    He will replace Frederic Antonetti, 61, who guided Strasbourg away from relegation last term but agreed to part ways following the recent investment.

    Vieira began his coaching career when he retired from playing with Manchester City in 2011, and took charge of the club’s elite development squad in 2013.

    In 2015, the Frenchman became manager of MLS club New York City FC, before returning to Europe three years later, with Ligue 1 side Nice.

    Vieira led them to a seventh-place finish in his first season but was sacked in December 2020 after a run of poor form.

    In July 2021, a decade after he retired from playing in the English top flight, Vieira returned to the Premier League as Palace manager in place of Roy Hodgson.

    He guided the Eagles to 12th in his inaugural season, while Palace also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

    However, the 47-year-old was dismissed in March, with the Eagles winless in 2023 and only three points above the Premier League relegation zone.

  • Karen to play host to seventh leg as over 200 enlist for NCBA series

    Karen to play host to seventh leg as over 200 enlist for NCBA series

    Over 200 golfers are expected to take part in the seventh round of NCBA golf series scheduled July 1st 2023  at Karen Country Club.

     Overall gross winners in men’s and Women’s category as well as junior class will seal grand finale slots set to be played at the conclusion of the series later this year.

    The winners of the overall gross, Men’s category, Women’s category, and Juniors category will earn their place to compete in the highly anticipated Grand Finale.

     During the previous leg,the sixth round played at Vetlab last weekend which attarcted 252 players Junior player Maina Iraki, playing off handicap 6, emerged as the overall gross winner of the tournament with an impressive score of 76 gross.

     In the Men’s gross category, Chrispine Owuor, playing off a handicap of 4, claimed victory with a score of 76 gross, surpassing Watson Burugu who secured the second position with an equally commendable score of 79 gross.

     The Ladies gross category witnessed a captivating battle, with Mary Karano, playing off handicap 12, capturing the top spot with a score of 90 gross. Junior golfer Navya Nagda showcased her impressive skills by hitting 91 gross, securing a commendable second-placed position in the category.

     Tournament sponsors NCBA Group revelled in the upcoming leg at Karen.

    “We are thrilled to be heading back to Karen Country Club for the 7th leg of the Series. Karen Country Club has a rich history and renowned golfing facilities, making it the perfect setting for this tournament. The Series is not only about the sport of golf but also about building strong connections. We are excited to witness the remarkable talent and sportsmanship on display as golfers compete for their place in the Grand Finale”, remarked John Gachora, NCBA Group Managing Director .

     This year’s edition consists of a total of 17 qualifier events hosted at various golf clubs in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

     So far, the Series has been held at  Railway Golf Club, Limuru Country Club, and Windsor Golf Club, Thika Sports Club, Kakamega Sports Club and VetLab Sports Clubs.

    The series also has two junior events with the first one having been held in March in Kaampala,Uganda while the second is set for November in Nyali,Mombasa,Kenya.